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Poland

Krakow: itinerary & travel tips

Kraków has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, which came through the Second World War almost undamaged. Almost everything important is close together: you can reach the Main Square, Wawel and the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz on foot in a few minutes.

There is also a lively café and pub scene, low prices compared with Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and good day trips such as the Wieliczka Salt Mine. That makes the city ideal for a long weekend, and it is easy to reach by plane or train.

Ready-made itineraries

What to see

  • Rynek Główny (Main Square)

    One of the largest medieval market squares in Europe, surrounded by townhouses, churches and cafés.

  • Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)

    The Renaissance hall in the middle of the square houses souvenir stalls and, upstairs, a gallery of 19th-century Polish painting.

  • St Mary's Basilica (Kościół Mariacki)

    Famous for the Gothic altarpiece by Veit Stoss and the trumpeter who plays from the tower every hour.

  • Wawel (Royal Castle and Cathedral)

    The hill above the Vistula was the seat of the Polish kings for centuries and is a coronation and burial site.

  • Kazimierz

    The former Jewish quarter has old synagogues, the Remuh Cemetery and many places to eat and drink.

  • Schindler's Factory (Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory)

    The museum in the Podgórze district shows the history of Kraków under German occupation from 1939 to 1945.

Where to stay

  • Old Town (Stare Miasto)

    For anyone on a short stay who wants to reach everything on foot and doesn't mind the bustle.

  • Kazimierz

    For people who want bars, live music and restaurants in a historic setting in the evening.

  • Podgórze

    For those seeking quiet and history lovers who want to stay close to Schindler's Factory and the Ghetto memorial.

  • Piasek and the western edge of the Old Town

    For anyone who wants a quieter night's sleep yet is still only five to ten minutes' walk from the Main Square.

Best time to visit

May, June, September and early October are the most pleasant, when it is usually mild and the days are long. July and August get crowded and sometimes hot, and hotel prices rise. Winter is cold and often grey, but the Christmas markets in December are atmospheric. You should rather avoid January and February if you want sun and outdoor terraces, as well as the period around All Saints' Day (1 November), when many locals are travelling and some places close.

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Getting there

Kraków-Balice Airport (John Paul II, KRK) is about 11 km to the west and has direct flights from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A train takes around 20 to 25 minutes to the main station (Kraków Główny) and costs only a few euros; buses are also an option. A taxi or ride service costs about 15 to 25 euros depending on the time of day. From Vienna or Berlin you can also come by night train or direct train, although this takes much longer than flying.

Getting around

The Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz are easy to explore on foot. For longer distances there are trams and buses; single and time-based tickets are cheap and available via app or at machines. To get to Auschwitz or Wieliczka, it is best to take a bus or train, or join an organised tour.

Daily budget

budget

€35

mid-range

€75

per person, without accommodation. Food, beer and public transport are much cheaper than in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, while excursions and tours make up the biggest expense.

Local tips

  • Buy tickets for Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wawel visits online in good time, especially in summer and at weekends.
  • Try Polish home cooking such as pierogi or żurek at a milk bar (bar mleczny) for very little money.
  • The Main Square is touristy and expensive in the evening; you'll find the better places in side streets and in Kazimierz.
  • The walking paths along the Vistula below Wawel let you escape the crowds and take good photos.

FAQ

How many days do you need for Kraków?

Two days are enough for the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz. With three to four days you can add Schindler's Factory, Podgórze and a trip to Auschwitz or Wieliczka.

Where is the best place to stay in Kraków?

For short trips the Old Town is ideal because everything is within walking distance. Kazimierz offers more nightlife, while Podgórze and the western edge of the Old Town are quieter.

Is Kraków expensive?

Compared with Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Kraków is cheap, especially for food, drinks and public transport. Hotel and tour prices rise in summer and on public holidays.

How do I get from the airport to the city centre?

The fastest and cheapest way is the train, which takes about 20 to 25 minutes to the main station. Alternatively, take a bus, taxi or ride service.

Is Kraków safe, and do you tip?

Kraków is considered a safe city; the usual caution about pickpockets in crowds and on trains is enough. In restaurants a tip of about 10 per cent is customary if the service was good.

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